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Ben Lomond

Welcome to Ben Lomond

Mountain Village Life, Redwoods& Riverside Charm

Ben Lomond is a scenic mountain community in the San Lorenzo Valley of Santa Cruz County, offering a tranquil lifestyle wrapped in forest beauty and small-town charm. With a population of roughly 6,800 residents, Ben Lomond sits along Highway 9 approximately 12 miles from Santa Cruz and 34 miles from San Jose, making it both peaceful and accessible.
 

History & Identity

Early settlers named the area for Ben Lomond Mountain, inspired by the Scottish peak. Originally known as Pacific Mills for its sawmill operations, the community adopted the current name in 1887. With deep roots in logging and forest life, Ben Lomond’s history is  eflected in its rugged landscapes and community traditions.
 

Location & Outdoor Recreation

Ben Lomond enjoys a prime location amid redwood forests and creeks, with easy access to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, and San Lorenzo River spots for swimming or fishing. Trails, scenic overlooks, and mountain vistas make outdoor recreation a key part of daily living. Ben Lomond
 
  • To Santa Cruz, CA: ~12–14 miles → 20–25 minutes by car
  • To Silicon Valley (San Jose area): ~38–45 miles → 50–65 minutes by car
Ben Lomond’s scenic mountain location provides wooded serenity while still offering manageable access to Santa Cruz and Bay Area employment centers.
 

Activities, Amenities & Local Flavor

Despite its mountain setting, Ben Lomond supports a friendly village center with locally-owned shops, cafés, and eateries. Favorites include La Placa Family Bakery, Henfling’s Tavern, and community events hosted by local groups like the Ben Lomond Village Alliance. Annual festivals and neighborhood gatherings foster a close-knit community vibe.
 

Ben Lomond — Schools & Education

Ben Lomond students attend schools in the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District, which offers strong local options. Children typically start at Boulder Creek Elementary or San Lorenzo Valley Elementary/Charter Schools and continue to San Lorenzo Valley Middle School and San Lorenzo Valley High School in Felton. These schools are known for supportive environments and active community involvement.
 
Public Schools (San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District):
 
  • San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School – TK–5 (Felton)
  • Boulder Creek Elementary School – TK–5 (nearby)
  • San Lorenzo Valley Middle School – 6–8 (Felton)
  • San Lorenzo Valley High School – 9–12 (Felton)
Charter Option:
 
  • San Lorenzo Valley Charter School – TK–8 (project-based learning)
Private & Independent Schools (Nearby Options):
 
  • Santa Cruz Waldorf School – PK–8 (Santa Cruz)
  • Holy Cross School – PK–8 (Santa Cruz)
  • Monte Vista Christian School – PK–12 (Watsonville area)
  • Salesian Elementary & Junior High School – PK–8 (Santa Cruz)

In Summary

Ben Lomond combines mountain village spirit, natural beauty, and community warmth for buyers looking for peaceful living close to Santa Cruz. It’s ideal for those who value outdoor adventure, local character, and a slower pace without sacrificing access to broader amenities.

 

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Overview for Ben Lomond, CA

7,150 people live in Ben Lomond, where the median age is 46.1 and the average individual income is $58,066. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

7,150

Total Population

46.1 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$58,066

Average individual Income

Around Ben Lomond, CA

There's plenty to do around Ben Lomond, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

14
Car-Dependent
Walking Score
6
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Tap Truck Santa Cruz & Santa Clara, Lamorte Lift, and Ease Mountain Yoga & Wellness.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 4.84 miles 7 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 3.08 miles 15 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 0.73 miles 23 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 4.84 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 2.55 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Beauty 2.62 miles 8 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Ben Lomond, CA

Ben Lomond has 2,774 households, with an average household size of 2.55. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Ben Lomond do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 7,150 people call Ben Lomond home. The population density is 605.37 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

7,150

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

46.1

Median Age

51.17 / 48.83%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
2,774

Total Households

2.55

Average Household Size

$58,066

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Ben Lomond, CA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Ben Lomond. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
Ben Lomond

A Smooth Journey Starts Here

Whether you’re buying, selling, or evaluating land, Kathleen Manning is ready to guide you with integrity, organization, and a deep understanding of the region.

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